Literary notes about doxy (AI summary)
The term "doxy" in literature displays a remarkable range of meanings and connotations. At times it straightforwardly labels a prostitute or a promiscuous woman, as when it denotes a mistress figure in several passages ([1], [2], [3]). In other contexts, it functions in a more figurative or ironic sense, serving as a metaphor for flawed or debased accompaniments in both personal and ideological relationships—most famously in political or religious commentary, as in "Orthodoxy is my doxy, heterodoxy is your doxy" ([4], [5], [6]). Additionally, the word appears in poetic refrains that evoke imagery of rustic life and bawdy humor, such as the recurring line "the doxy over the dale" ([7], [8]). This varied usage underscores the word's flexibility as a label imbued with both literal and allegorical significance.
- 185 Doccy, doxy , a loose wench , i. 188 Dock, tail , i. 247, 425 Documents, teachings , ii.
— from A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 15 by Robert Dodsley - Douse, 10/7, s. strumpet, prostitute; the same word as Doxy .
— from Fiue Hundred Pointes of Good Husbandrie by Thomas Tusser - Good–bye, darling; Aunt Doxy will take you up to the park, when the sun comes out, to see all the wonderful doings.
— from Cradock Nowell: A Tale of the New Forest. Vol. 1 (of 3) by R. D. (Richard Doddridge) Blackmore - “Orthodoxy is my doxy, heterodoxy is another man’s doxy,” as Bishop Warburton once said.
— from On the Wallaby Through Victoria by Elinor Mordaunt - Orthodoxy is my doxy, heterodoxy the other fellow's.”
— from The Doctor : A Tale of the Rockies by Ralph Connor - I think it was Bishop Berkeley who said, Orthodoxy is my doxy; heterodoxy is another man’s doxy.
— from Leading Articles on Various Subjects by Hugh Miller - the doxy over the dale, Why, then comes in the sweet o' the year; For the red blood reigns in the winter's pale.
— from The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 3 of 9] by William Shakespeare - “‘The Doxy over the dale,’ as Shakespeare so beautifully expresses it.
— from Between the Larch-woods and the Weir by Flora Klickmann
